Astelia alpina var. novae-hollandiae

Silver Astelia, Pineapple Grass

Tufted perennial herb forming large mats. Male and female flowers on separate plants.

FamilyAsteliaceae (syn. Liliaceae)
StoreyLower storey
Sizeto 30 cm high
Plant groupingLilies & Irises
LeavesNarrow leaves 5-40 cm x 0.5-3 cm, covered in white-silvery scales below, long silky hairs at the base.
Flower colourWhite or greenish-yellow, red berries
Flowering timeNovember to March
FlowersOpen cluster of tiny male flowers 3-10 cm long, many-flowered, on stem reaching beyond leaves. Female flowers in a short, few-flowered cluster to 2.5 cm long. Flowers to 6 mm long, sepals longer than petals. Edible oblong berry to 10 mm long.
Bird attractingNo
Butterfly attractingNo
Frog habitatNo
Growing conditionsMoist to wet soils of alpine and sub alpine bogs. Full sun, semi shade.
Garden useSuited to cold higher altitude gardens where it would make a delightful foliage plant.
Commercially availableUnlikely to be available within the Shire of Yarra Ranges
Conservation statusSignificant within the Shire. Known from very few local sites. More common outside the Shire boundary.
Aboriginal Use Food - berries